Prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has recalled parliament for April
18 and prepared the way for an early election with a double
dissolution.

He will call a election for July 2, with all members of both
houses of parliament standing for election, if legislation to
create the building industry watchdog, the Australia Building and
Construction Commission, isn’t passed by the Senate.

“The time has come for the Senate to recognise its
responsibilities and help advance our economic plans, rather than
standing in the way,” Turnbull told a media briefing at
Parliament House today.

“The restoration of the ABCC is a critical economic reform. The
time for playing games is over.

“What we are doing is giving the Senate ample time to consider
the ABCC bills, and pass them.”

The time for game playing is over. Parliament has been recalled to consider the ABCC and Registered Organisations Bills.

Turnbull said he had received permission from governor-general
Sir Peter Cosgrove to recall both houses of parliament. The
Senate will sit for three weeks before the federal budget, now
set for May 3, so that there is sufficient debate to pass the
workplace relations bills.

He said if the bills are passed a double dissolution will not be
held.

“The go-slows and obstruction by Labor and the Greens on this key
legislation must end,” Turnbull said. “This is an opportunity for
the Senate to do its job of legislating rather than
filibustering.”

The government also has brought the federal budget forward a week
to enable a double dissolution. The budget will now be on May 3.

The last time a double dissolution election was called was in
1987. A double dissolution means a full election for both houses
of parliament, including all senators. If after the legislation
which triggered the double dissolution is still not passed, then
a joint sitting of both houses of parliament can be called to
vote on the legislation.

After a marathon 28 hours of debate last week, parliament went
into recess after making changes to Senate voting rules.

The reforms make it harder for minor parties to win seats through
complicated preference deals.

These new rules will be in force at the next federal
election.

Turnbull’s approval rating as prime minister has fallen into
negative territory for the first time but voters still expect him
to win this the election, according to the latest Newspoll.